Occupation crimes are crimes against humanity committed by the Soviet authorities in the Baltic states in the periods 1940-1941 and 1944-1991.

According to the international definition, deportation and other occupation crimes are genocide. Genocide is an act aimed at the partial or complete destruction of a national, ethnic, racial or religious community. The purpose (intent) of genocide distinguishes genocide from other crimes against humanity.

Genocide can take the form of the killing of members of a community or causing them personal injury or mental harm, the imposition of inappropriate living conditions, the prevention of birth, deportation or any other form.